Canberra boasts large networks of bike trails sprawling through picturesque natural scenery, offering a great biking experience for locals and visitors alike. Whether you like to tread some dirt with your mountain bike, or enjoy a peaceful scenic ride, Canberra provides a variety for everyone. The city's temperate climate allows for enjoyable rides year-round, while its green spaces and nature reserves offer a stunning backdrop to invigorate your ride. Cyclists can explore a variety of trails, from the leisurely Lake Burley Griffin Loop to the challenging paths of Stromlo Forest Park. Canberra's well-designed cycling infrastructure and bike-friendly culture ensure a safe and convenient riding experience. Cycling in Canberra not only promotes fitness and outdoor exploration, but also provides an opportunity to discover the city's cultural heritage and iconic landmarks. Here, we'll break down some of the best bike rides in Canberra that you should check out for your next ride.
While you're here, you can also check out our lists of the best bike trails in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
The Canberra Centenary Trail is a mammoth 145-kilometre loop that takes cyclists on a journey around the outskirts of the city. The trail showcases the diverse landscapes of the Canberra region, including forests, open farmland and nature reserves. It offers a mix of on-road and off-road sections, making it suitable for road bikes or mountain bikes. This also makes it a good trail to put your hybrid bike to the test, allowing you comfortably ride through all types of terrain. Being so long, the Centenary Trail is divided into shorter sections, allowing riders to choose which segments match their fitness and time constraints.
For the cyclists who are looking for a more adrenaline pumped ride, Mount Stromlo is a must-visit. Located within the Stromlo Forest Park, this trail offers a thrilling off-road riding experience with various difficulty levels. From flowy singletracks to technical descents, riders can enjoy an exhilarating ride while exploring the park's stunning natural surroundings. While the more technical trails are more suited to advanced riders, there are beginner-friendly sections that anyone can enjoy. It's also a good spot to give your electric mountain bike a spin, if you're looking to take your ride further and elevate your experience.
The Cotter Dam Loop is a scenic bike trail at a moderate difficulty level, taking riders along the Cotter River and up to the Cotter Dam Reserve. This 35-kilometre loop features a mix of sealed and unsealed paths, offering a diverse riding experience. Along the way, you'll pass eucalypt forests, cross charming bridges and enjoy serene views of the water. The Cotter Dam Loop is suitable for moderately experienced riders looking for a longer and more peaceful ride.
The Lake Burley Griffin Loop is a popular and iconic bike trail. This 28-kilometre ride circles around Lake Burley Griffin, offering breathtaking views of the city's landmarks, including Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia and the Carillon. It's also an excuse to make use of electric bike, which allow you to breeze through the trail, enjoying the ride while not burning yourself out. Electric bikes have a good battery life for this sort of ride, so you should be able to get through the entire trail without any issues. The trail is mostly flat and suitable for riders of all skill levels. Enjoy this pleasant and scenic ride, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the stunning surroundings.
Majura Pines is another mountain biking spot located in the Majura Nature Reserve, just a short distance from Canberra's city centre. This network of trails offers thrilling off-road experiences for mountain bikers of all levels. The trails wind through dense pine forests and feature a range of technical challenges, including jumps, berms and rock gardens. With a mix of beginner-friendly loops and more advanced sections, Majura Pines caters to riders looking for an exciting mountain biking adventure.
Stromlo Forest Park is a hub for cycling enthusiasts, offering a range of trails and facilities for all riders. The park features cross-country trails, downhill tracks, and pump tracks, providing opportunities for riders of various skill levels and disciplines. Whether you prefer fast-paced descents or endurance rides, Stromlo Forest Park has something to offer. The park also hosts events and races throughout the year, adding to the vibrant cycling community in Canberra.
If you're looking to participate in a cycling event in Canberra, don't miss the Big Canberra Bike Ride. This annual event attracts cyclists of all ages and abilities and offers different routes to suit various fitness levels. The ride takes participants through some of Canberra's most scenic areas, allowing riders to discover new trails and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow cyclists. The event also supports local charities, making it a meaningful and enjoyable experience.
Canberra's bike paths offer a diverse range of experiences for riders, from leisurely rides around Lake Burley Griffin to thrilling mountain biking adventures in Stromlo Forest Park. Whether you're seeking scenic views, challenging terrain, or a family-friendly outing, Canberra is a great place to be a cyclist. When planning your next biking adventure in Canberra, consider exploring the trails mentioned above. Progear Bikes offers a wide range of bikes, including road bikes and mountain bikes, to equip you for your cycling journeys in Canberra. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and the vibrant biking community that the city has to offer.
If you need any help deciding on the best bike for your ride, don't hesitate to reach out to the Progear team and we'll be happy to help you make the choice for you.
